CAF response to PM’s speech – ‘Shared Society’ must work in tandem with charities

9 January 2017

John Low, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, which works with tens of thousands of charities in the UK and overseas, said:

“Theresa May is right to point to the fact that the way people feel about the country and about their community has changed significantly in the past few months.

“Our research shows that nearly 14 million people in the UK feel that their local community is more divided now than it was at the start of 2016 – and huge numbers are responding by becoming more politically and socially active, including by supporting charities and volunteering. We need to harness that potential and enthusiasm to change Britain for the better.

“Charities are at the centre of what makes Britain great and must be at the heart of its future. At this critical moment in our country’s history, charities have a crucial role to play in developing a better society at home and securing Britain’s new place on the global stage.

“Mrs May rightly recognises the need for our charities and social enterprises to thrive. Her Shared Society must be more than a shift in the way Government makes policy; it must mean working in tandem with Britain’s charities at home and abroad to share and strengthen our values, unite our communities and give people a voice.”

Notes to Editors

1. In October 2016 CAF published extensive research on the state of society after the EU referendum and the role charities can play in responding: https://www.cafonline.org/about-us/media-office/communities-more-divided-following-brexit-vote-new-research-shows

2. The Charities Aid Foundation is one of the largest charitable foundations in Europe and amongst the largest providers of philanthropic products and services to charities, donors and companies worldwide.